Privet is a native shrub from the olive family. Because of its ease of care and high resistance to diseases and pests, it is often planted in the garden as a hedge or individual shrub. How to plant privet.
How to plant privet in the garden?
Privet requires a sunny to partially shaded location and slightly nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Plant privet in spring or early autumn, improve the substrate with compost (€12.00 on Amazon) and horn shavings, and maintain a planting distance of 30-50 cm in the hedge or 1 meter as a single shrub.
What location does privet need?
The vast majority of privet species need a sunny to partially shaded location. Gold privet in particular needs to get a lot of sun, otherwise the foliage will not retain the desired color.
What does the substrate have to be like?
Every privet thrives in slightly nutritious soil that is well drained. He's not particularly demanding. He just doesn't like waterlogging. But the earth shouldn't be completely dry either.
Improve the substrate with compost (€12.00 on Amazon) and horn shavings before planting. Then you only need to fertilize a little later.
When is the best time to plant?
You can plant privet all year round - of course only on frost-free days. Spring and early autumn are favorable because then there is enough moisture in the soil. Otherwise you will have to water the privet more often.
What planting distance should be maintained?
As a single shrub, the shallow-rooted plant doesn't need too much space. A distance of 30 to 50 cm is recommended in the hedge. The planting distance for a single bush does not have to be greater than one meter.
How do you propagate privet?
Privet is very easy to propagate via:
- Cuttings
- Cuttings
- Lowers
Propagation via seeds is generally possible, but is not recommended due to the long germination time.
When is the flowering time?
The flowering period lasts from June to July. The shrub produces small white flower spikes that have a strong scent. They are a good source of food for butterflies, bumblebees and other insects.
When are the berries ripe?
The berries are ripe in autumn and hang on the bush for a very long time. Birds like to eat them.
How poisonous is privet?
Privet berries are slightly poisonous if consumed. Children should therefore be kept away from them.
Can privet be transplanted?
Since the roots don't reach very deep, privet can be transplanted quite easily. However, very old bushes should no longer be moved.
Does privet get along with other plants?
Privet is very compatible with other plants. It is therefore often planted under planting for taller trees.
How hardy is privet?
The native privet is hardy. Down to minus ten degrees doesn't bother him at all. Older plants can also survive lower temperatures.
Chinese privet is not hardy and must be kept frost-free over the winter.
For young plants and immediately after planting, we recommend light winter protection by placing a layer of mulch.
Tip
Most privet species do not cope well with pure shade. An exception is Ligustrum ovalifolium, the oval-leaved privet, which also thrives in very dark locations.